Late surge gives Baird the lead in New Orleans

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Briny Baird birdied the final two holes for a three-under-par 69 to seize the second-round lead at the New Orleans Classic on Friday.

Baird sank a 20-foot putt at the last to finish eight under on 136, one stroke better than Australian Peter Lonard and fellow American Jay Williamson.

Lonard surged into the lead after a run of three birdies in four holes but bogeys at the 15th, 17th and 18th meant he had to settle for a 70.

Tied on six-under 138 were holder Nick Watney (67), who took only 21 putts, fellow American Tommy Armour III (68) and Japan's Shigeki Maruyama (68).

South African Tim Clark, who began his round on the back nine, produced a dazzling finish to move into contention.

Clark birdied the seventh and eighth before recording a hole-in-one at the 210-yard, par-three ninth for a six-under 66. He was among a group of 10 players on 139.

Baird said he did not play too well on a TPC Louisiana layout that features firm, sloping greens made trickier by difficult pin placements.

"It didn't feel quite as good as probably the scorecard will make out," said the American, who is chasing his first PGA Tour win and is on a good run after tying for fourth at last week's Puerto Rico Open.

"My swing felt a little loose at times but to get in with a three-under (score), I was very, very pleased."

(Writing by Larry Fine in New York, editing by Tony Jimenez)